Commemorating Courage: Small Vessels Revive the Dunkirk Evacuation on Its 85th Milestone

The UK recently marked a significant moment in history, celebrating the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo with a fleet of 66 “little ships” that made their way to Dunkirk, France. This event was not just about remembrance; it was a vibrant tribute to the brave evacuation mission from World War II, where these vessels played a crucial role. Accompanied by the Royal Navy, this flotilla included various pleasure crafts that joined in on the festivities.

The journey began at Ramsgate Royal Harbor as these historic boats crossed the English Channel to reenact the daring rescue operation that unfolded between May 26 and June 4, 1940. Historians often refer to this period as one of Britain’s most heroic moments during its darkest days.

During those ten fateful days in ’40,around 850 private boats braved perilous conditions and enemy fire to rescue Allied troops trapped on Dunkirk’s beaches while Nazi forces advanced through France. Initially aiming to save about 40,000 soldiers, they astonishingly evacuated over 338,000 men—a remarkable achievement amidst chaos.However, it came at a cost; more than 250 ships were lost during this operation.

The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships notes that for every seven soldiers who managed to escape via Dunkirk’s shores, one soldier remained behind as a prisoner of war—many subjected to harsh treatment during forced marches into Germany and Poland. The bravery displayed by these “little ships” transformed what coudl have been an utter military failure into an inspiring tale of valor that bolstered British morale throughout WWII.

While officially dubbed Operation Dynamo back then, many now refer to it as the “Miracle of Dunkirk,” thanks largely to wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s influence. This year’s commemoration saw an impressive turnout—the largest gathering since those original days—with small ships and yachts joining forces with the iconic little vessels for this special occasion since their last reenactment in 2015.

This year’s flotilla was escorted across the Channel by seven royal Navy P2000 patrol boats from Coastal Forces Squadron—designed primarily for training and coastal patrols—making it quite an impressive sight! Organizers hailed this event as not only significant but also reflective of community spirit reminiscent of those early evacuations.

The somber note accompanying this party was marked by the passing of Duncan McInnes—the last known naval veteran from dunkirk—who served aboard HMS Saladin and passed away at age 105 in australia just prior to these events.

“This is our first time commemorating without any veterans present,” shared Ian Gilbert from the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. “Now its up to us—the little ships—to keep their memory alive.”

The Association itself has been dedicated since its founding in ’66 towards preserving both memory and identity linked with these brave vessels through maintaining an active fleet while honoring what they call “the spirit of dunkirk.” Every five years they retrace routes taken back in May ’40—a living testament ensuring such heroism is never forgotten.